Primary Percutaneous Pericardiotomy for Malignant Pericardial Effusion (PMAP)

Pericardial effusion is a common complication in patients with metastatic malignancy. While pericardiocentesis provide effective relieve from life-threatening situation such as cardiac tamponade, recurrence of pericardial effusion after pericardiocentesis is common. We hypothesize that percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy in addition to standard pericardiocentesis with prolonged drainage can prevent pericardial effusion recurrence in patients with malignant pericardial effusion.